Premier League: Nikica Jelavic Signs For West Ham
![By Jon Candy (Flickr: DSC07207) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fa21f6bd0122ab514b6f9494e5ec57d9eec26d52c3810de99fa32aa9b73d1ccb9.jpg "By Jon Candy (Flickr: DSC07207) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons")
Hull City striker Nikica Jelavic has made the jump from the Championship back to the Premier League in the form of a permanent deal to West Ham United. The deal is official after a medical was completed and personal terms were agreed between club and player.
More from Hull City FC
- Former England International Ryan Mason retires from football
- Hull City F.C.: Three hopes, one fear
- Hull City finish transfer window strong
- Hull City bought by Chinese investors
- Stoppage time goal earns Manchester United a crucial victory
Jelavic signed a two year contract and the transfer fee was a reported £2m but will eventually rise to £3m if certain targets are met. The Hammers were in search of a striker to complement their attack and were reportedly chasing a loan deal for Tottenham misfit Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo hit-man’s massive wages were a stumbling block to the deal as Spurs wanted all of his wages to be paid by whichever club took him on loan.
The Croatian striker originally came to England from Rangers and was a January buy in 2012 for Everton in the midst of Rangers’ relegation drama. He went on to become a cult hero at the club after scoring a double away against Manchester United in the famous 4-4 draw that cost the Red Devils the title. He spent a year and a half before moving on to Hull City and was a part of their heartbreaking relegation campaign last season.
This move for Jelavic satisfies the need for a striker with Premier League experience but without the headache of a diva like Adebayor coming in to the team. Jelavic is also familiar with West Ham manager Slaven Bilic from his time with the Croatian national team so the familiarity should help both coach and player get acclimated.
Jelavic had this to say about the deal and his new manager, as quoted by Sky Sports:
"“I am very excited to be signing for West Ham United, especially as it is a big club and I didn’t know until a couple of days ago that I would have the opportunity to come her. Of course it is always a target to play in the Premier League, so when I found out that West Ham wanted me there was no doubt that I wanted to come here.I’ve played for Slaven before for the Croatia national team and he is a great manager and a great man. I am really happy and delighted to be working with him and all his staff again.”"
West Ham have done quite a bit of business in the transfer window and all within their budget. In addition to Jelavic they have brought in both Victor Moses and Alex Song on loan from Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona. Both players are still in the prime of their careers with something to prove and represent some excellent business from the West Ham board. They have already defeated Arsenal this season and look to be a club that is trending upwards towards a top 10 finish in the Premier League.